Teenagers with disagreements and guns are not a good combination.
No teenager should possess a gun.
No teenager should have access to a gun.
“I’m very much concerned about youth violence,” said Georgeanna Pinckney, 72, who is executive director and founder of Greater Life of Fayetteville, the nonprofit Pinckney founded in 2012.
Pinckney isn’t just talking the talk.
She’s serious about addressing youth gun violence in this community, and you can hear it in Georgeanna Pinckney’s voice.
Pinckney and others want you to know about the Crime Prevention Dining IN Series, which is scheduled from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on May 2 at Country Club Drive Church of Christ, 651 Country Club Drive. The event was scheduled for Saturday, but Pinckney said it was postponed to allow for greater participation.
The event from Greater Life of Fayetteville’s People in Need Program, according to a news release, is being presented in partnership with the Fayetteville Community Safety Micro-Grant Program, Fayetteville-Cumberland County Crimestoppers, the Fayetteville Police Department’s Faith in Action Program, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Office of Community Safety and the Healthy Child & Adolescent Network.
‘The Root Causes’
Gun violence among young people has become a concern in communities everywhere, according to Greater Life of Fayetteville, and Fayetteville is no exception. The nonprofit here is doing its part to better understand what it describes as “the root causes,” and more important, how to prevent it.
“We are looking to hear young people’s voices on gun violence,” Pinckney said Monday, “or someone close to them.”
An 18-year-old from Spring Lake was shot to death on March 15 while attending a house party along the 1500 block of Graystone Drive in north Fayetteville, according to the Fayetteville Police Department. He was, according to published reports, attempting to break up an altercation. A 17-year-old was arrested and charged on March 18 with first degree murder.
Parents of the victim are heartbroken.
Pinckney said a captain from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is a member of the Greater Life of Fayetteville’s board of directors, which includes counselors and pastors. They are there to listen.
“Our crime prevention series offers a welcoming, non-judgmental space to share lived experiences with gun violence and build a culture of safety throughout our communities,” Pinckney said. “We must work together to prioritize public safety and protect future generations.”
It all begins with conversation and receptive ears.
Pinckney said she invited police Chief Roberto Bryan Jr., Sheriff Johnathan Morgan, Mayor Mitch Colvin and John Jones, who is director of the city’s Office of Community Safety.
“We just want open dialogue,” Pinckney said, and parents are welcome. “What have they done in their homes to keep their families safe. We want our families safer in schools and the community. Open dialogue is the way for positive change. I believe we will make a difference.”
RSVP for the event online or call 910-779-0003.
Epilogue
No teenager should possess a gun.
No teenager should have access to a gun.
“Gun violence is not just a crisis, it’s a call to action,” Georgeanna Pinckney said. “And, at Greater Life of Fayetteville, we are answering that call by building bridges between youth, families and community, because every life deserves a chance.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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